Us Government, Anonymous

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text.
Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original
book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not
illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ...his own limited authority
the same as he says Kiying really had, willing hereafter to
negotiate. With a very distinct understanding that it was but
matter of preliminary inquiry, I had no difficulty in arriving at a
result here also. To the suggestion of a resident minister at
Pekin, or to any visit, periodical or otherwise, or to personal
access to the court, and to opening the rivers and internal marts
of China, an absolute refusal is given, even to the extent of not
being willing to discuss it. The points on which they expressed a
willingness to treat, and which I believe could be embodied into a
treaty, are: 1. Direct correspondence, by sealed communications,
with the privy council--not only the receipt of such
communications, but the acknowledgemont of them on terms of
equality. In short, direct correspondence, in its most
comprehensive form. 2. The immediate legalization and opening of
all the ports where irregular trade is now carried on, and those
named were Swatow, Chinchu, Taiwan, Fangshau, Wunchaw, and Chapoo.
I think that a modification of duties might be treated of, though
as I had no intention of doing more than ascertaining in a general
way what hereafter they might be willing to discuss, I did not go
into detail. There was another incidental matter which was talked
of in this interview--the proper mode of receiving the President's
letter at the capital. I refused to hand it to the imperial
commissioner until I should see the decree of the Emperor as to its
mode of reception. It was promised to me, and this morning it has
been sent. I inclose a copy, and need hardly say it is entirely
unsatisfactory. The subject of claims of citizens of the United
States was also alluded to, as a matter about which I inquired if
the...